Dermot O’Leary ‘set for X Factor return’

February 24, 2016

Presenter Dermot O’Leary. Image by WENN.com

The London Irish Centre patron is said to be negotiating a return to host The X Factor

The 36-year-old Irish Londoner presented the ITV talent show from 2007 to 2014, when he quit saying it was time for him to “move on”. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who had previously fronted spin off show The Xtra Factor together, were then drafted in to present last year’s (15) series but many viewers were left unimpressed by their hosting skills.

Both Olly and Caroline confirmed earlier this week (beg22Feb16) that they are not returning to present the next series.

Now it has been alleged that X Factor bosses, Simon Cowell among them, are talking to Dermot about a comeback, with the host apparently told to “name his price”.

“Dermot will come back to The X Factor,” a source told The Sun newspaper. “Talks are under way on his deal but everything is positive. Everyone, including Dermot and Simon, has the will to make it work.

“Producers have realised you can’t take any risks with the presenter of the show. You need someone really good who can cope with live TV.”

According to the publication, Dermot, who is said to have received £1 million for each series he presented, is also considering signing a deal which would see him host the show for the remainder of its life.

“There is even talk Dermot could be offered the presenting job for the rest of the show’s life when a new deal is signed with ITV,” the insider added.

It was previously claimed that the falling viewing figures for the show had led to considerations of “shelving” the programme once its contract with ITV was up. However, ITV has since confirmed that they are planning to renew the series contract for a further two years.